NYPD went too far with inquiry into mosques

New York police went too far when it labeled city mosques as terrorist organizations to allow more surveillance tactics. (Longmont (Colo.) Times-Call/Digital First Media)

It's not hard to understand why law enforcement authorities in New York City are hyper-vigilant in guarding against terrorism. The attack of 9/11 at the hands of radical Islamic members of al-Qaida are the worst to have occurred on U.S. soil, and the city will remain a target for years to come.
But America's founding ideals of a free, tolerant society also have deep history in New York. The city served as the first capital of the United States, and it's where the Bill of Rights was first introduced to Congress. One of the primary symbols of New York City -- the Statue of Liberty -- is itself a symbol of tolerance and freedom.

So it was disappointing last month to learn that the New York Police Department has been secretly designating some mosques -- houses of worship for those who practice Islam -- as terrorist organizations. The department's approach violates American traditions of religious freedom, and it should be cause for all Americans, regardless of their faith, to wonder if the Bill of Rights has lost its meaning in the name of overzealous policing. It's dying in the very city where it was born.

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According to The Associated Press, New York police since 9/11 have opened at least 12 investigations into mosques, and because the police label them "terrorist organizations," anyone who walks into them is subject to surveillance. The investigations often are initiated without specific evidence of a crime. None of the mosques or their leaders has ever been criminally charged -- even though the investigations can sometimes last years. Such tactics sow distrust in the community, making it less likely that helpful tips will be passed on to law enforcement.

The Federal Bureau of Investigation, which has its own infamous history of trampling on the rights of American citizens, reportedly shied away from the New York Police Department's invasive approach to law enforcement.

Terrorist threats are real, and Americans should expect American law enforcement, security and intelligence agencies -- including the New York Police Department -- to use all the legal means at their disposal to protect the country.

But, even more, Americans want to maintain the freedoms of religion and association that have made this country the envy of all others.